Impeded Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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impeded
[ɪmˈpiːdɪd ]
Definitions
in a sentence
delay or prevent (someone or something) by obstructing them; hinder.
Synonyms
delay, hamper, hinder, inhibit, obstruct.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| impeded |
Used to describe when something is blocking progress or movement, often used in a more formal or technical context.
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| hinder |
Used when something is preventing progress or success, giving a sense of an obstacle that must be overcome.
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| obstruct |
Typically used when something is causing a blockage or barrier, often in legal or physical contexts. Can carry a negative connotation.
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| hamper |
Refers to something that slows down or makes an action more difficult, often in a practical, everyday context.
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| delay |
Commonly used to describe a situation where something happens later than expected, can be neutral or negative.
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| inhibit |
Often used when something is restricting or holding back an action, behavior, or process, frequently used in psychological or scientific contexts.
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Examples of usage
- She was impeded at every turn as she tried to escape from the building.
- The investigation was impeded by the lack of cooperation from key witnesses.
in a sentence
make it difficult for (someone) to do something or for (something) to happen.
Synonyms
block, hamper, hinder, interfere with, obstruct.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| impeded |
Used when referring to something that slows down progress or makes it more difficult to move forward. Often used in formal or technical contexts.
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| obstruct |
Usually describes a physical blockage or something that prevents movement or progress. Can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
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| block |
Commonly used when something completely stops movement or access. It can have a physical or more general application.
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| interfere with |
Typically used when an action disrupts or affects the normal function of something. It often carries a slightly negative connotation.
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| hamper |
Used to describe an action or situation that restricts movement or progress. Often implies ongoing difficulty.
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| hinder |
Describes something that delays or prevents progress. This word often has a somewhat formal tone.
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Examples of usage
- The heavy rain impeded their progress on the hike.
- The construction work impeded access to the building.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Individuals may experience impeded progress in personal goals due to fear, anxiety, or procrastination.
- Cognitive biases can impede decision-making, leading people to choose less optimal paths.
- Research shows that overthinking can impede creativity, making it difficult to generate new ideas.
Transportation
- Traffic jams can impede the flow of vehicles, causing delays and frustration for drivers.
- Construction zones often impede pedestrian and vehicular movement, requiring detours.
- Natural disasters, like floods, can impede access to essential services by blocking roads.
Literature
- Many authors explore themes of impeded dreams, showing characters struggling against obstacles in their pursuits.
- In classic literature, protagonists frequently face external forces that impede their quests, reflecting the human experience.
- Poets often use the idea of being impeded as a metaphor for emotional or spiritual barriers.
Technology
- Technical glitches can impede software functionality, causing frustration for users.
- Slow internet speeds can impede online learning and streaming experiences, impacting education and entertainment.
- Cybersecurity threats can impede organizational functions by disrupting systems and data access.
Origin of 'impeded'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'impedire', which means 'to shackle' or 'to catch in a net'.
- This term combines 'in-' (a prefix meaning 'not') and 'pes' (meaning 'foot'), suggesting a stalling or hindrance to movement.
- In older usages, it sometimes referred to physical restraints, emphasizing a barrier to progress.
The word 'impeded' originated from the Latin word 'impedire', which means 'to entangle' or 'to hinder'. The term has been used in the English language since the 16th century, evolving to its current meaning of obstructing or hindering progress.
See also: impedance, impediment, impeding, unimpeded.